Residents of Waterfronts in Illobuchi axis of Mile two Diobu in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State declared last Wednesday as Black Wednesday to remember some waterfront dewellers who died in 2016 after the government demolished the area.
The Waterfront residents who wore black attire with placards with different inscription said they also decided to appear on black to protest against expiration of the ultimatum by state government for them to vacate the area which has been marked for demolition.
Some men who claimed to be government officials had on the 19th of January, 2022 visited the area to issues one week ultimatum to the residents following government plan to carry out demolition exercise in the entire area.
The moves came after Governor Nyesom Wike during his new year broadcast announced plan to demolish the waterfront.
Some of the residents who spoke to News Echo called on Government to carry out what they described as institution update rather than demolishing the area, which will render the inhabitants homeless.
Another set of residents of the waterfront said any attempt by government to evict them from their apartment, may lead to more hardship and possibly death especially for those who do not have a place to go.
They pleaded with government to allow them stay or pay them compensation to enable them have a place to keep their heads.